Media Center
Corporate Communications tells OCFA’s story with transparency, accuracy, and purpose. This team leads internal and external communications, responds to media inquiries, supports emergency incidents, and drives public awareness through education campaigns and community outreach. From crisis response to everyday storytelling, they ensure OCFA’s voice remains clear, timely, and connected to the people we serve.
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We provide brochures and flyers on life and fire safety topics, schedule school programs and fire station tours, and keep the public and media informed during emergency incidents.
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Public Records Requests can be made directly through our Clerk of the Authority by clicking the link below. If you have any general questions regarding public records, please contact the Clerk of the Authority Office during regular business hours at (714) 573-6040
In the media
Catch the latest headlines and media coverage featuring the Orange County Fire Authority.
Podcast - Hot Pursuit
Join hosts OCFA Fire Captain/Investigator Scott Kuhlman and Sophia Champieux as they take you behind the scenes of Orange County's most compelling fire investigations. From arson to accidental blazes, twice a month we'll explore a new case that uncovers the science, intuition, and human stories behind the flames. Through interviews with experts, fire investigators, law enforcement, and forensic specialists, Hot Pursuit offers an insider's look at how these mysterious and often chilling fires are solved. Discover the untold stories that rise from the ashes, one fire at a time.
Executive Producer: Kevin Hansen
Hosts: Sophia Champieux & Scott Kuhlman
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Support OCFA’s mission to protect and serve the community. Your contributions help fund vital programs and resources that save lives.
For donations, please email OCFADonations@ocfa.org
News and Active Incidents
OCFA’s Active Incidents section provides real-time information on emergencies happening now. See where our responders are deployed and stay connected to ongoing public safety efforts in your area.
Posts from @OCFireAuthority
#NorteFire Update
Great news - the Norte Fire is 100% contained. The fire is in a patrol status and crews will continue to check for any hotspots.
OCFA is proud of our cadets for exemplifying what it means to be in service of others. Yesterday, the Garden Grove Police Department presented OCFA Cadets with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their outstanding service during the GKN Hazardous Materials incident.
These future firefighters are already demonstrating what it means to serve their community with compassion, initiative, and a willingness to help others. We’re proud to see them putting these values into action.
Thank you to the Garden Grove Police Department for recognizing their hard work and dedication!
📸: @gardengrovepd
Video description: This 30-second video shows OCFA firefighters working outside a house last night in Mission Viejo as large flames and thick smoke rise from the structure. Crews move near the driveway and entrance while red emergency lights illuminate the scene.
Approx 50 OCFA FFs kept the fire from spreading to most of the house & the surrounding homes.The fire caused $500k damage to the structure & $500k to the contents. One adult male was transported to a local hospital for moderate smoke inhalation. Cause remains under investigation.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Apparatus Engineer Doug Wetmore on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on October 22, 2002. Doug and his family are forever in our hearts.
Mission Viejo - Working structure fire in a single family dwelling at 8:15 pm in the 24000 block of San Andres Lane. Approx 35 OCFA FFs onscene. No injuries.
Upon arrival, OCFA firefighters had heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage that was filled with large amounts of storage in and above the garage. The fire was contained to the garage and parts of the attic with only minimal fire damage inside the home.
One adult male was transported to a local hospital with minor smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.
Are you ready for the rain? ☔
Rainy season is approaching, and now is the time to prepare. From checking drainage around your home to gathering emergency supplies and locating sandbags, a few simple steps now can help you prepare for wet weather.
Find tips & sandbags locations by visiting https://bit.ly/Ready4Rain.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 93%.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 92%. Crews continue extinguishing remaining hot spots and strengthening containment lines.
OCFA is working with city partners to prepare for future rain events. Cities lead pre-planning and coordination, with OCFA providing support and responding to mud and debris-flow incidents.
On the #NorteFire, crews are also repairing land disturbed during >>>
native soil and vegetation to support regrowth.
Video description: This 51-second video features interviews with OCFA personnel and footage of crews conducting suppression repair on the Norte Fire. Crews work along hillsides and feed cut >>
vegetation into a wood chipper, while an excavator reshapes disturbed ground.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 90%. Firefighters are patrolling the fire perimeter, checking for remaining heat and securing containment lines.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 80%. Crews continue locating and extinguishing hot spots and strengthening containment lines.
Crews continue working the #NorteFire, locating and extinguishing hot spots to prevent rekindling and protect surrounding communities.
Some hot spots can smolder underground for weeks or even months. When winds return, that hidden heat can spark another fire. Drones equipped >>>
with infrared cameras help crews identify heat that may otherwise go undetected and direct firefighters to areas that need attention.
In this ABC segment, we explain how OCFA uses this technology today and what’s ahead: water-dropping drones that could help extinguish hot >>>
spots in steep terrain and areas difficult to reach on foot. Our goal is to have this technology available by next fire season.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 75%. Crews will continue working to extinguish hot spots and strengthen containment lines.
#NorteFire Incident Update
The fire remains at 570 acres, and containment has increased to 60%.
Crews will continue working through the night. Please avoid the burn scar area. >>>
Video description: This 12-second video pans from fire engines parked along a roadway, with hoses extending across a sidewalk, to a burned hillside covered in ash and charred vegetation.
Yesterday, as containment grew and families began returning home, an OCFA strike team helped a resident whose home was destroyed in the first hours of the fire.
In a moment of indescribable devastation for a member of our community, our firefighters’ role shifted from >>>
suppression to compassion — providing both a shoulder to lean on and a helping hand.
With specialized equipment, our crew located and opened a safe buried deep in the ashes, finding its contents intact despite the surrounding destruction. While it is difficult to comprehend >>>
the magnitude of this homeowner’s loss, recovering these priceless family heirlooms meant the world to her.
As we continue extinguishing hot spots and increasing containment of the #NorteFire, our hearts remain with everyone affected.
#NorteFire Update
Containment has increased to 50%. A total of 467 firefighters remain assigned, working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots.
#NorteFire Update
• All evacuation orders lifted
• 570 acres
• 25% containment
• Cause under investigation
Crews will work to increase containment and begin suppression repair—repairing areas disturbed by firefighting to help reduce erosion.
#NorteFire Update
All evacuation orders lifted. Via La Mirada remains closed to vehicles north of Esperanza.
• 570 acres
• 25% containment
• Cause under investigation
Damage assessment teams surveyed the area today and confirmed seven homes were damaged or destroyed.
#NorteFire Repopulation Update
Effective today at 6 p.m., evacuation orders for San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano will be lifted, with the following exceptions and closures:
• Via La Mirada will remain closed north of Esperanza to vehicle traffic to allow emergency >>>
crews to continue working.
• The burn scar remains an active fire hazard area and is closed until further notice.
The fire is currently at 25% containment.
Video description: In this 1-minute, 27-second video, OCFA Fire Chief McGovern and >>>
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Captain Chevalier stand in front of a red OCFA command vehicle. They take turns providing fire and evacuation updates. Captions appear throughout.
#NorteFire Community Information Hotline
An information hotline has been established for community members with questions about the Norte Fire. Please call 714-628-7085 for information.
#NorteFire Evacuation Update
• San Clemente Zone 13: Full repopulation. Residents may return home.
• San Juan Capistrano Zone 10: Partial repopulation, limited to the Stallion Ridge community, San Juan Hills High School, and the landfill off La Pata. >>>
Please review the accompanying map for the reopened areas. All other evacuation orders remain in effect. Those areas remain threatened due to an active fire line and windy conditions, with a heat advisory also in effect.
Video description: In this 1-minute, 42-second video,>>>
an Orange County Sheriff’s sergeant and an OCFA PIO stand outdoors, providing a Norte Fire update about evacuations and road closures. Both wear uniforms and address the camera, with trees and street signs behind them. On-screen captions accompany their remarks.
#NorteFire Incident Update
Crews worked throughout the night to attack the fire and strengthen containment lines. The fire remains at 570 acres and is now 5% contained.
As reported yesterday, six homes have been damaged or destroyed. The cause remains under investigation.
Today, crews will continue working to increase containment and get residents back home as soon as it is safe to do so.
Video description: In this 40-second video, an OCFA PIO in a yellow wildland jacket provides a Norte Fire update while standing in front of a fire engine.
#NorteFire Incident Update
Deputy Incident Commander Battalion Chief Mike Yeun provides an update on the fire, which is currently at 570 acres with 0% containment.
All evacuation orders remain in effect. Crews will continue working throughout the night to protect homes and keep our communities safe.
Video description: This 46-second video shows OCFA Battalion Chief Mike Yeun providing a Norte Fire update inside a fire station.
An overnight shelter has been established to provide assistance for those affected by the #NorteFire. The shelter will open at 8 pm: Boys & Girls Club - 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano.
· Animals WILL be allowed
· Bring your medications
· Please no unsolicited donations
For residents of SJC under mandatory evacuation orders, @OCAnimalCare is open to house dogs, cats, and small pets: 1630 Victory Road, Tustin
For residents of SC & SJC, the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter will be accepting pets: 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. The shelter is accepting animals until 7 pm and will reopen at 7 am.
#NorteFire press conference tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.
Division 3 Fire Chief Mark Backoff provides an update on the Norte Fire, currently estimated at 450+ acres.
For the latest updates, follow @OCFireAuthority on social media. Visit https://ocsheriff.gov/nortefire for evacuation zone maps.
#NorteFire
Video description: Division Chief Mark Backoff stands in front of an OCFA vehicle while giving an update on the Norte Fire.
A PIO is available at the media staging location at Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte to conduct media interviews.
The fire is currently at 465 acres.
#NorteFire
#NorteFire: For the most current evacuation and shelter information, visit the link below.
If you are under an evacuation order, leave now. Please avoid the fire area.
Resources During a Disaster | Orange County California - Sheriff's Department
News & InformationThe Norte Fire is currently burning in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.For updated information ...
ocsheriff.gov
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